2. Post-Modernism
1. represents a departure from modernism and is characterized by the self-conscious use of
earlier styles and conventions, a mixing of different artistic styles and media, and a general
distrust of theories.
2. Postmodernism is largely a reaction to the assumed certainty of scientific, or objective, efforts
to explain reality. In essence, it stems from a recognition that reality is not simply mirrored in
human understanding of it, but rather, is constructed as the mind tries to understand its own
particular and personal reality.
3. Postmodernism is "post" because it is denies the existence of any ultimate principles, and it
lacks the optimism of there being a scientific, philosophical, or religious truth which will explain
everything for everybody - a characterisitic of the so-called "modern" mind.
3. Key Terms
Audience: the assembled spectators or listeners at a public event such as a play, film, concert, or
meeting.- who the piece of media/media product is targeted towards. This can be those viewing
the product live like a concert or in a screening environment like films/cinema.
Representation: the action of speaking or acting on behalf of someone or the state of being so
represented or the description or portrayal of someone or something in a particular way.
Narrative: The spoken or written account of a particular set of events- this could include that of
the plot/synopsis of a film or TV series.
Genre: style or category of art, music, or literature- genre of film or television can refer top that
of postmodernism ( which can be thought of as a genre).
Media language: Media language is the way in which the meaning of a media text is conveyed to
the audience. One of the ways Media Language works is to convey meaning through signs and
symbols suggested by the way a scene is set up and filmed.
